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September 16, 2003
Report all violent incidents
Concerns about security and safety on the increase in the Fraser Health Authority
Over the last few weeks the number of complaints by nurses about safety and security in the FHA has risen. Intercon Security, the private company hired to provide security services throughout the health authority, has just completed their takeover of in-house security services at all of the major acute care hospitals in the FHA.
BCNU has already expressed concerns about the new security company, its plan and implementation phase to the FHA and has urged members to report any issues or concerns arising directly from the new security system to your BCNU steward or regional chairperson.
Members need to be aware of their rights to work in a safe environment and what they need to do if their safety is put at risk.
Every nurse should be aware of the Code White policy and procedure at your facility. Make sure that there is one. Call a Code White at appropriate times in accordance with your facility policy. If security does not respond to a Code White and your perception of your safety or the safety of your patient or member of the public continues to be at risk, call 911. Management needs to be informed of every situation where security or Code Whites have not been promptly responded to or effectively intervened in.
Contact management first about any safety risk so that they can be provided with an opportunity to "fix" or correct the unsafe situation. You can report the unsafe situation to the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB). Anyone can report an unsafe situation or incident to the WCB, but talk to your BCNU union steward before you do so.
Documentation is key. Fill out an incident report immediately (as per hospital policy) if you have been involved in a breach of safety or injured as a result of a violent incident. Inform your BCNU steward of the incident and fill out a Professional Responsibility Form (PRF) and/or safety grievance to support your claim.
Every nurse is responsible in helping to ensure a safe work environment. Please continue to document and report safety concerns at the workplace.
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